The Installation of
Suzanne Walker Buck
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ith all the pomp and circumstance befitting of the occasion, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, Western Reserve Academy celebrated the installation of Suzanne Walker Buck as the 32nd Head of School in its nearly two-century history. The ceremony also marked a momentous occasion in the school’s history with the installment of the first woman to serve as Head of School. “I am grateful to serve Western Reserve Academy,” said Buck. “Nearly two centuries old, we are a school of both tradition and innovation. We are Pioneers. Embedded in our DNA is the compulsion to carve new paths, to challenge assumptions, to transcend the status quo. I am honored to lead this institution and with you, members of our collective community, create a joyful and transcendent future.” Buck was determined to share the spotlight with the hundreds in attendance in the Murdough Athletic Center (MAC), including the Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, community members and, of course, students, dressed in Reserve Green to mark the formality of the day (all while anticipating the after-party, featuring food trucks, fun and a giant 16
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mural where they could write their reflections on happiness). “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be at this place at this time,” Buck said. “And, as excited as I am, I do not want this ceremony to be about me. I want today to be a celebration of us — of community — and of a community that deeply loves and values this school.” Dagmar Fellowes ‘75 gave a warm welcome to all in attendance, reflecting on the history of female students at Reserve. “I would suggest that, in 2019, we are where we should be, a school strong with girls and with a strong woman at the helm — but more importantly a strong leader, who will be an inspiration to all,” said Fellowes. After an invocation by the Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed, Rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Student Body Co-President Ellie Frato-Sweeney ’20 introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Dr. Barbara Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Snyder spoke of the shared history of the two institutions and discussed themes of bold thinking and leadership when describing the synergy between the schools. In her remarks, she also spoke directly to the Head of School.
